The Coming of Bill · Question
How does The Coming of Bill develop the theme of Eugenics and Heredity?
Answer
The Coming of Bill by P. G. Wodehouse develops Eugenics and Heredity across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book prominently features Lora Delane Porter's obsessive theories about heredity, prenatal influences, and the 'future of the race,' which drive her attempts to control Ruth's marriage and William Bannister's upbringing through strict, pseudo-scientific health regimens.
Mrs. Lora Delane Porter's beliefs in eugenics and heredity drive her interference in Kirk and Ruth's relationship.
Mrs. Porter's obsession with heredity and the future of the race is central; she questions Kirk about his family health and decides he should marry Ruth for eugenic purposes.
Ruth explicitly discusses eugenics, questioning the quality of children she might have with Clarence Grayling and emphasizing her duty to the future of the race.
Evidence in the book
- Book I
Mrs. Lora Delane Porter's beliefs in eugenics and heredity drive her interference in Kirk and Ruth's relationship.
- I: A Pawn of Fate
Mrs. Porter's obsession with heredity and the future of the race is central; she questions Kirk about his family health and decides he should marry Ruth for eugenic purposes.
- Ruth States Her Intentions
Ruth explicitly discusses eugenics, questioning the quality of children she might have with Clarence Grayling and emphasizing her duty to the future of the race.
- Wherein Opposites Agree
Mrs. Porter advocates for the marriage based on Kirk's physical perfection and eugenic principles, dismissing Bailey's social objections.
- Book II
Lora Porter's systematic approach to William's upbringing reflects the era's fascination with eugenics and the belief that proper breeding and training could produce a superior individual.
- Mr. Penway on the Grill
Mrs. Porter's critique of Mr. Penway's physical deterioration and her earlier 'saving' of George Pennicut reflect her eugenicist beliefs in improving human stock through discipline.
- XIV: The Sixty-First Street Cyclone
Steve argues that innate grit cannot be 'sterilized' out, reflecting contemporary debates about heredity versus environment.
- Mrs. Porter's Waterloo
Mrs. Porter's focus on the 'future of the race' and William Bannister's upbringing reflects eugenic ideals of controlling heredity and environment.
